Around 14.5 million adults in the U.S. live with alcohol use disorder. You don’t need a perfect plan to start getting better—just the right next step. This page lays out clear options you can act on: meds that reduce cravings, proven therapy methods, harm-reduction moves, and when to get medical help.
First, know where you stand. Mild cases often respond to counseling and lifestyle shifts. Moderate to severe cases may need medical detox and medication. Watch for danger signs: severe shaking, confusion, hallucinations, or a fast heartbeat after stopping drinking. Those can mean withdrawal that needs urgent hospital care.
Three meds are commonly used and backed by evidence. Naltrexone lowers the pleasure you get from alcohol and cuts cravings. It works well if drinking is driven by wanting the buzz. Acamprosate helps people stay sober after detox by stabilizing brain chemistry. Disulfiram creates strong unpleasant reactions if you drink while taking it—useful if you need an aversive deterrent and strong supervision.
All three need a doctor’s prescription and monitoring. Naltrexone can hurt the liver, so liver tests matter. Don’t take naltrexone if you also use opioids for pain—mixing them can be dangerous. Acamprosate is safer with liver problems but needs kidney checks. Disulfiram demands commitment and clear rules with your prescriber. Medication plus counseling usually beats either alone.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing teach skills to cope with urges and reshape habits. Contingency management gives small rewards for staying sober and can really move the needle for some people. Mutual support groups—AA or SMART Recovery—offer peer help and routine. Online programs and telehealth make therapy accessible if you can’t get to a clinic.
Not ready to stop? Harm reduction works: set daily drink limits, keep a drink diary, avoid drinking triggers, and never mix alcohol with sedatives or opioids. Small changes reduce risk and open the door to bigger steps later.
Buying meds online? Be cautious. Use pharmacies that require a prescription, show a real business address and phone number, and have clear privacy policies. If a site sells prescription meds without a prescription or prices are unbelievably low, walk away. Ask your prescriber about reliable mail-order options.
Finally, build a safety plan: tell someone you trust your goal, remove alcohol from the home, schedule regular follow-ups with a clinician, and map local crisis resources. If you or someone shakes violently, sees things, or becomes disoriented after quitting alcohol, call emergency services immediately. Recovery isn’t a straight line, but practical steps—medical care, therapy, peer support, and safer habits—give you real progress. Talk to a healthcare provider today and pick one clear action you can take now.
